About Nepal

Nepal is one of the richest countries in the world in terms of bio-diversity due to its unique geographical position and altitudinal variation. The elevation of the country ranges from 60 m above sea level to the highest point on earth, Mt. Everest at 8,848 m, all within a distance of 150 km resulting into climatic conditions from sub-tropical to Arctic.

Phoksundo Lake

Nepal occupying only 0.1% of the total landmass of the earth is home to:

2% of all the flowering plants in the world

8% of the world’s population of birds (more than 848 species)

4% of mammals on earth

11 of the world’s 15 families of butterflies (more than 500 species)

600 indigenous plant families

319 species of exotic orchids

Area 147,181 sq. km

Location Situated between China in the north and India in the south, east and west

Capital Kathmandu

Population 25.8 million

People Nepal has more than 101 ethnic groups and 92 spoken languages.

Language Nepali is the national language; travel-trade people understand and speak English as well.

Religion Nepal is a secular state with a pre-dominance of Hindu and Buddhist population.

WORLD HERITAGE SITES

There are four UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Nepal. Two are in cultural category and two are in natural category. World Cultural Heritage Sites of Nepal are: Lumbini, the birth place of Lord Buddha, and seven monuments of Kathmandu valley within a radius of 20 km (together counted as one Heritage Site). The World Natural Heritage Sites are Chitwan and Sagarmatha National Parks. Kathmandu valley World Heritage Site comprises of three historical palaces – Kathmandu, Patan and Bhaktapur Durbar Squares; two Buddhist stupas – Swayambhunath and Bouddhanath; and two Hindu temples – Pashupatinath and Changu Narayan. Nepal offers incomparable scope to connoisseurs of art and culture to see and study different aspects of fine arts in its paintings, sculpture, wood carving and architecture.

Nepal is the ultimate destination for the trekking enthusiast – offering a myriad of possibilities from the short and easy to the demanding challenges of the snowy peaks. Easy, moderate or rigorous – there is something for every one. Nepal has aptly been called “A Trekkers’ Paradise” as her terrain – mountains, hills and the Terai – offer some of the most spectacular trekking routes in the world. The immense contrasts in altitudes and climates found here support an equally spectacular mix of lifestyles, vegetation and wildlife. Trekking in Nepal is as much a cultural experience as a Himalayan adventure. In the shadows and foothills of the icy pinnacles of the Himalayas, one passes picturesque charming villages inhabited by diverse ethnic groups. Treks vary from expeditions, high altitude treks to simple easy paced walks. For more information about trekking; please contact Trekking Agencies’ Association of Nepal (Tel: 4427473, 4440920, Web: www.taan.org.np).

Mountaineering

With eight of the highest peaks in the world, including Mt. Everest, it is hardly surprising that Nepal has been the stage for some of the most outstanding achievements in the world of mountaineering. The dauntless icy peaks have since decades challenged the bodies and spirits of the daring ones. All inquiries and arrangements for expeditions have to be made well in advance at the Ministry of Tourism & Civil Aviation, Mountaineering Section, Bhrikutimandap (Tel: 4256231/2, Fax: 4227281, Web: www.tourism.gov.np) where the guidelines have been laid down.

Rafting/Kayaking/Canyoning

Few rafting rivers in the world can match the thundering course of the rivers of Nepal originating from the snow meltdown of the Himalayan terrain. The rivers gush through the twisted canyons, winding through calm valleys where small settlements are perched on the banks, taming out only as they spill out into the Indian plains to merge with the Ganges. A river-trip is one of the best ways to explore the typical cross-section of the country’s natural as well as the ethno-cultural heritage with massive doses of adrenaline buzz on our world-class white-water thrills. An extreme sport popular in Europe, canyoning is now available in Nepal. It involves abseiling, jumping, sliding, climbing along waterfalls and steep cliffs to deep pools, giving the canyoneer the freedom to explore beautiful under-water landscape.

Village Tours

Village tours allow visitors to experience a stay in a typical Nepali village. This gives visitors an opportunity to observe the rich Nepali cultural tradition from the closest quarter and intermingle with the locals. Besides, any expenses made at that level directly contribute to the welfare of the local community, hence giving the visitor a sense of satisfaction. Village tours are conducted in Sirubari, Briddim, Ghalegaun, Ilam and other places.

Nepal Tourism Board

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The offer may be subject to merchant and Card issuer’s terms and conditions. Please check with the merchant for details and availability before availing the offer.

All offers will be subject to Terms and Conditions. For full details, click on the above offer images.

These offers are open to all American Express Cardmembers whose accounts are valid and in good standing. An American Express Cardmember ("Cardmember") for the purpose of these offers means a person holding a Card, issued either by American Express® or a third party bearing the name or trademark or service mark or logo of American Express (“Card”).

These offers are being made purely on a “best effort” basis. Cardmembers are not bound in any manner to participate in these offers and any such participation is purely voluntary.

American Express is neither responsible for availability of services nor guarantees the quality of the goods/services and is not liable for any defect or deficiency of goods or services so obtained/availed of by the Cardmembers under this offer. Any disputes with regard to the quality of goods/services availed shall be taken up with the merchant directly. American Express shall have no liability whatsoever with regard to the same.

American Express shall not be liable whatsoever for any loss/damage/claims that may arise out of use or non-use of any goods or services availed by Cardmember under this offer. American Express and the merchant reserve their absolute right to withdraw and/or alter any of the terms and conditions of the offer at any time without prior notice.

Nothing expressed or implied in the program shall in any way waive or amend any of the Terms and Conditions of the existing Cardmember agreement with the Card issuer.

To receive these offers, purchase should be charged in full to the American Express Card. No cash or other card alternatives are available.

The offer may be subject to merchant and Card issuer’s terms and conditions. Please check with the merchant for details and availability before availing the offer.